Regardless of one’s political views, there seems to be consensus on one political reality: America is dangerously polarized. According to Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair at New Canaan High School in Connecticut, in an edWebinar sponsored by Mackin Educational Resources, “The future of democracy presents a case for the critical need for school librarians in every school.” They are valuable for students to ensure equitable access to quality inquiry instructional experiences for all learners, not just for the future of education but also for the future of democracy.
This session will include strategies to redress the “nothing you can say will convince me otherwise” mindset among young learners and highlight programs that empower students to feel politically empowered to become change makers.
In this edWebinar, Michelle Luhtala will present a case for the critical need for school librarians in every school, and the importance of equity in access to quality inquiry instructional experiences for all learners – not just for the future of education but for the future of democracy.
Creating makerspaces and incorporating them into schools involves more than coming up with project ideas. Typically, when schools add makerspaces, they’re also looking to shift their education goals and focus on skills beyond traditional curriculum. As Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair at New Canaan High School, CT, and Bill Derry, Consultant at School and Public Libraries, CT, explained in their edWebinar, “Design Models that Guide Innovative Thinking,” for educators looking to make this transition, there are several different methodologies that complement the goals of makerspaces and help students become creative problem solvers.
In a recent edWebinar, Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair, and Donna Burns, Technology Integrator, both from New Canaan High School in Connecticut, showcased the transformation of the NCHS library from a collection of used reference and biography books into a living, breathing makerspace. Using mostly recyclable materials, equipment and furniture, these educators are providing learning opportunities for students and teachers that have changed the school climate and culture. “Making learning more real for students allows them to learn better in a much more energized school,” said Luhtala.
edWeb.net is delighted to announce that it was selected by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) as one of the 2018 Best Websites for Teaching & Learning. The Best Websites for Teaching & Learning recognizes websites of exceptional value to inquiry-based teaching and learning as embodied in the AASL learning standards. Websites selected for this prestigious recognition are free, web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover, and foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration.
In this edWebinar, Michelle Luhtala, Library Department Chair, New Canaan High School, CT, shares strategies for using this time to build instructional partnerships that will last throughout the year and beyond.
In K12 teaching and learning, no one is better prepared for curating digital resources and tools than the teacher librarian. Curation is a major element of Future Ready Librarians. Leadership in curation will be critical as schools scramble to vet, organize and leverage the coming flood of Open Educational Resources (OER) that represent the #GoOpen initiative.
In just a few short years, edWeb has grown into a global phenomenon where teachers, librarians, curriculum specialists, administrators, and college professors share resources, presentations, surveys, and other media to impact student learning and teacher professional development. Join Shannon Holden, Assistant Principal at Republic Middle School, MO, as he reveals the many ways edWeb assists educators.
Librarians are at the forefront of helping schools become “future ready.” In this webinar, Michelle Luhtala and Mark Ray discuss what it means to be Future Ready.